West Ham are interested in signing out-of-favour Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips in the January transfer window, according to a new report.
The Lowdown: Phillips out of favour at Liverpool
The 24-year-old came to the fore for the Reds last season, filling in in the absence of injured trio Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
With Liverpool’s injury problems easing, however, Phillips has not featured at all in the Premier League in 2021/22 and has played just one minute of Champions League action.
It is hard to see where he is going to get minutes at Anfield, so a January exit could make sense despite being hailed as ‘absolutely incredible’ by Jurgen Klopp.
The Latest: West Ham linked with move
According to Football Insider, a West Ham source has claimed that the Irons are interested in snapping up the Liverpool centre-back in the winter transfer window.
He is one of a number of defensive targets for the east London club, who are ‘laying the groundwork’ for a potential move.
The Verdict: Filling the Ogbonna void
With Angelo Ogbonna possibly out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, it is vital that a centre-back comes in, with David Moyes’ side losing their last two league games without the Italian.
Phillips could be a strong candidate to come in as a squad player, but he remains relatively untested at the top level, only starting 15 Premier League games in his career despite being 24 years of age.
With West Ham aiming to secure a top-four finish, they could do with signing someone who could make an immediate impact rather than being a backup option, but the Liverpool man could still thrive if he is called upon sporadically.
Phillips averaged an eye-catching 5.6 aerial duels per game in the league in 2020/21, with Tomas Soucek leading the way for West Ham with 3.1 this season. It might not seem like the most exciting name to be linked, but Moyes would be wise to give it some consideration.
In other news, three West Ham players struggled in the defeat to Manchester City. Find out who they are here.